7 Perfect Destinations for a Long Weekend in Upstate New York
New York State is a beautiful destination that is ideal for a weekend getaway in the Northeastern United States. Towns like Lake Placid and Ithaca feature outdoor excursions such as hiking in the Adirondack Mountains or admiring local waterfalls. Cooperstown, on the other hand, celebrates 'America's favorite pastime' at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. So do not delay and start planning your next trip to New York and see firsthand what makes it such an amazing place for a weekend adventure!
Ithaca
Situated within the lovely Finger Lakes region, the town of Ithaca also lies along Cayuga Lake, where a truly perfect getaway awaits. With a foundational history dating to the 1790s, Ithaca was named after the Greek island, and today, just under 33,000 residents call it home. An inviting college community, this Upstate New York town is home to the Ivy League Cornell University (1865) and Ithaca College (1892), and is definitely a charming place that combines culture with nature.
Marvel at the foliage and its changing colors, go for bike rides, or hike along the Lake’s edge, as some local waterfalls truly astound. These include Ithaca Falls, Buttermilk Falls, and the Hemlock Gorge in the Cornell Botanic Gardens, to name a few. Then there are such friendly community events like the Apple Harvest Festival, the Reggae Fest, and the Ithaca Pride Festival, that ensure a dull moment never exists while visiting this special New York town. When here for a long weekend, some good accommodations include the Courtyard by Marriott.
Jamestown
Known as the “Pearl City”, Jamestown is an undeniable gem of Western New York, and an awesome long weekend experience is always at hand here. Established in the early 1800s, this town is stunningly located between Lake Erie and the Allegheny National Forest.
Spend time in an exciting downtown filled with great attractions, including such museums as the Fenton History Center, the National Comedy Center, and its tribute to American comedy on film and television, and of course, the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum. Meanwhile, with a climate characterized by hot summers and cool winters, being outdoors is great year-round. Relax on Chautauqua Lake, where activities like swimming, sailing, fishing, and skating remain ever popular. Or take a short drive to the aforementioned Allegheny National Forest across the State line of Pennsylvania or the nearby Panama Rocks Scenic Park for more quiet relaxation amidst raw nature. Some fine lodging options here include the La Quinta Inn & Suites and the Doubletree by Hilton.
Lake Placid
Lake Placid is beautifully located within the Adirondack Mountains, and anyone spending time here will quickly see what has made it such a special and popular place for an Upstate New York holiday. With a population of just over 2,200, this outdoor treasure of a village can trace its foundational roots to the early 19th century. Over the decades, it became (and has continued to maintain itself) as a prime destination for those who love recreational sports, particularly the winter alpine variety. Host of the Olympic Winter Games in 1932 and 1980, it is easy to see why many flock to Lake Placid and to resorts in the area, such as Whiteface Mountain, which offer ski and snowboard slopes for amateurs and professionals alike.
And for those who prefer summertime excursions, the town is also great to visit with warmer temperatures, and time spent on the eponymous Lake is always fun. Enjoy sailing, swimming, and even some fly fishing here, while scenic biking and hiking trails in the Adirondack Mountains never disappoint. Add in some great local annual events, including the Ironman Triathlon and Lake Placid Horse Shows, and there is always something awesome to experience here, no matter what the season. If staying for a long weekend, consider such accommodation options as the Whiteface Lodge and the cozy Lake Placid Inn Boutique Hotel.
Kingston
New York State’s first capital in 1777, the historic Kingston is a fascinating place to spend a long weekend. History lovers will certainly not want to miss out on an exploration of the town’s three historic districts. This includes the Stockade District and the Rondout-West Strand Historic District, which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Add in the charm of cobblestoned streets and friendly local businesses like the Ship to Shore Restaurant, and one will never want to leave. And be sure to consider inviting accommodations like the Hampton Inn Kingston and the Residence Inn by Marriott.
Cooperstown
Situated on Otsego Lake, the village of Cooperstown is definitely a can-not-miss place for a great long weekend excursion in Upstate New York. Home to nearly 1,800 inhabitants, this historic community is celebrated as the site of the beloved National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, founded in 1936. An affectionate love letter to the game known as “America’s favorite pastime” awaits, as rare items, interactive displays, exhibits, and more create a very special experience for both casual and passionate fans alike.
Outside of baseball, Cooperstown also offers other great reasons to want to spend a weekend, sure to make lasting memories. Spend some time at the aforementioned Otsego Lake for fun opportunities to go swimming and fishing in a climate known for its warm summers. Then, for more cultural intrigue, visit the Historic District, featuring properties like The Inn at Cooperstown (1874), and explore Fenimore Farm and Country Village, which immerses guests in the rural life of the 19th century and opens for the season in April.
Woodstock
Only a 20-minute drive from the town of Kingston, the lovely town of Woodstock is another great long weekend option for those in Ulster County. Located within the Catskill Mountains and near Catskill Park, this town has a special charm, combining some of New York’s finest nature with a cute cultural ambience. Offering cool winter and warm summer temperatures, exploring Woodstock can be enjoyable throughout the year, and lush greenery, changing colors of the leaves, and the always reliable mountain landscapes make the town very photogenic.
There is also that special feeling of small-town USA here, and an assortment of welcoming local shops, eateries, and other businesses fill out the landscape. This includes Alba’s Kitchen, which has everything from pasta primavera to a delicious chicken enchilada. Finally, be sure to head on over to the Overlook Mountain Trail, a beautiful area full of great cycling and hiking trails, and truly breathtaking vistas. And for some great relaxation, consider lodging at the Herwood Inn and the Twin Gables of Woodstock.
Aurora
As its name implies, this town is situated along Cayuga Lake and is geographically almost at the center of New York State. Explore the Aurora Village-Wells College Historic District and its more than 50 contributing properties, including the Aurora Inn and the E.B. Morgan House, both listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Additionally, Aurora offers a nice outdoor retreat, and recreation is easy to come by. Go fishing and boating on Cayuga Lake, as a pleasant annual climate is characterized by comfortably warm summers and cool winters. There is also the nearby Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, a delectable collection of vineyards situated along the water’s edge. Sample and even purchase some of New York’s finest local wines, while great international flavors are always handy, this outing is definitely a highlight of any long weekend. Finally, try the Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa for a really picturesque stay right in the heart of this charming village.
Travelling through Upstate New York is a great alternative to the “Big Apple”, and indeed loads of cultural intrigue, natural beauty, and historic allure await in the towns of this part of the State. Enjoy a fun-filled long weekend getaway in a number of awesome places like Cooperstown and its baseball heritage, or the colonial living history of Kingston. From there, visit the pretty college town of Ithaca or the Catskills beauty of Woodstock; there is no shortage of wonder to be had in Upstate New York. And so when planning your next long weekend getaway in the northeastern United States, do not overlook the great State of New York and its many offerings outside the big city, for a truly exquisite holiday experience that the young and old alike will remember for many years to come!
